Associate Research Scientist and Lab Manager

Yi obtained his BS from Fudan University, MS from Cornell University, and his PhD from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His past research was mostly on gene transfer and oxidative stress in vascular biology and diseases. Now he helps the lab in daily operations to unravel mechanisms of gastric surgeries in treating obesity.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar 

Mohammad is a medical doctor who graduated from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Since joining the lab in September 2022, he has been conducting research on obesity, nutrition, and surgical and pharmacological interventions to enhance our understanding of obesity. His active projects involve dissecting the mechanism of molecular clock regulation of glucose homeostasis post- gastric bypass and the role of hepatic vagus in this process. He is also exploring the neurohormonal differences between several types of bariatric surgeries. Mohammad loves Iowa City, where he appreciates the tranquility and beauty the city has to offer.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Sanaz is a medical doctor who graduated from Tehran Islamic Azad Medical University in 2019. She is interested in internal medicine, with a particular focus on gastroenterology. Her current project investigates the role of neurotensin signaling in regulating inflammatory responses and its effects on gut barrier function and metabolism after skin burns. Sanaz is enthusiastic about contributing to the field of gastroenterology and enhancing our understanding of obesity and cancer-related mechanisms. She enjoys exploring the cultural and recreational offerings of Iowa City and looks forward to new experiences in this vibrant community.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Dana is an M.D from Damascus University. She is interested in obesity and metabolism research, and an aspiring gastroenterologist. Her active project revolves around exploring the effect of bariatric surgery on colon cancer development and the underlying mechanisms that regulate this process. She enjoys planting and experiencing new things.

Undergraduate Student, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa

Aviva is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences and working toward a future career in medicine. After spending time in previous labs and organizing her own experiment, she found she enjoyed the research process and wanted to continue her involvement. She is excited to be working in the lab, learning, and contributing to research.